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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072006 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES Thursday, July 20, 2006 Board Members: David Sulh'van, Chairman - Coun!y Commissioner Distnd #2 Patn'ck AI. Rodgers, Vi,~ Chairman - County Commissioner Distnd #3 Phil Johnson- Conn!y Commissioner District #1 Jill Buhler - Hospital Commzssioner Distnd #2 GeofJMasci - Port Townsend Ci!y Councd Sheila Westerman- Citizen at Large (Ci!y) Roberta Frirsell- Citizen at Large (County) Stafl'vlembers: Jean Baldwin, Publzi Health Seroices Director Julia Danskin, Nursing Seroices Director Thomas Locke, MD, Health Officer Mike AlcNzikle, Environmental Health & Natural Resources Director The meeting was called to order at 2:30 pm on July 20, 2006 by Chair David Sullivan in the conference room of the Jefferson County Public Health Department. All Board members were present with the exception of Commissioner Johnson, Member Frissell and Member Masci. All staff were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Board Member Buhler moved to approve the agenda as written. Board Memher Westerman seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board Member Buhler moved to approve the minutes as written. Board Member Rodgers seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Sullivan called on the public for comments. A member of the community pointed out that his comment at the Board of Health meeting in June was not an accurate representation of his intent. He restated that the Jefferson County Code, as adopted by the Board of Commissioners on October 20,2005, and as codified on the official website, does not show the amendments that were approved by the BOH on October 15, 2005. Another community member, who is a commercial clam farmer, expressed concern over the 'threatened' area in Discovery Bay. He has reviewed DOH water quality numbers and believes that there are many variables determining the levels of fecal coliform. He feels that it's too early in the process to know if water quality is being degraded and doesn't feel that it's necessary to form a Shellfish Protection Taxing District. West Nile Virus Newsletter. Summer 2006 Dr. Locke stated we are back in our monitoring mode for West Nile Virus (WNV). The virus made its appearance in Washington State last year. Mosquitoes that were positive for WNV were found in the Yakima area but there were no human or animal cases. There is speculation that northern states, like Maine, Washington and Alaska may not have the right kind of migration ofbirdlmosquito populations to effectively spread WNV throughout the state. Dr. Locke brought to the Boards attention a study about Culex Pipiens mosquito and how it changes its diet as the year progresses. The Culex Pipiens is the dominant WNV vector in the W A. The study found that the Culex have an appetite for birds earlier in the summer. When the birds leave late in summer, they switch over to humans. This may explain why we see human WNV cases peaking at the very end of summer. In response to a question about which birds are monitored for WNV infection, Dr. Locke pointed out that we focus on corvids rather than other bird types because the WNV fatality rate is higher in corvids. Thus if WNV is causing bird deaths, it is most likely to show up with increased corvid deaths. However, robins, condors, eagles and other birds can get WNV, it's just not as lethal. Board Correspondence Mike McNickle addressed the letter sent to Jefferson County Public Health by the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association. The Association expressed their concern that the DOH, which does periodic water quality monitoring of commercial shellfish beds stated that Discovery Bay had enough fecal coliform bacterial pollution to be listed as "threatened". Mike McNickle said we need to identify the sources of pollution and correct them, whether a result of failing septic systems or upland manure problems. He stated that these issues would be brought before the Board of County Commissioners in order to strategize and formulate a plan to avoid having the shellfish beds conditionally closed or closed. Mike explained DOH's system for testing. Samples are taken over time and a geometric mean is computed. It can take several years before improvements in water quality significantly alter this geometric mean. Dr. Locke stated that some of the measures Jefferson County is currently implementing have a beneficial impact on marine water quality. Making sure that On-Site Sewage systems are being appropriately maintained and that our illegal systems (which directly discharge into marine waters) are detected and stopped are ongoing environmental health priorities. Another factor that can cause high fecal coliform numbers is agricultural run- off from upstream farms. Mike McNickle and Dr. Locke met with City officials and discussed plans for monitoring Lords and City lakes for Cyanobacteria. Even though these lakes are low risk, monitoring is important because they are drinking water sources. The Kai Tai Lagoon and PT Golf Course pond are at risk for toxic algae but are off limits to the public-- posted and fenced and thus not an imminent public health threat. Cyanobacteria Update Mike McNickle handed out a monitoring table concerning various lakes in Jefferson County. Anderson Lake, Gibbs Lake and Lake Leland as well as other area waters are monitored weekly. The results from testing are now on JCPH website, www.ieffersoncountvpublichealth.org. Mike McNickle pointed out that last week the species varied from Anabaena with anatoxin to microcystis with microcystin toxin to lyngbea wollei that can produce saxitoxin. Mike explained that saxitoxin is like the Red Tide toxin, a neurological toxin. Mike McNickle is working with the State Parks and they want to keep Lake Anderson closed until further notice. Anderson Lake is the hardest hit lake with algae blooms. Washington State Parks have agreed to finance a monitoring program at Anderson Lake from May - Sept. 2007, performing weekly monitoring and paid for a small percentage of 2006 monitoring. Mike McNickle reported that there is statewide interest and that toxic algae lakes are becoming an issue. DOH held a Toxic Algae Forum last week and brought together several counties to formulate a protocol and procedure to standardize plans. DOE said there would be grant funding available in 2007 for monitoring. Solid Waste Enforcement Update A power point presentation was presented by Mark Nelson, Environmental Health Specialist on Solid Waste. He pointed out the two basic approaches to Solid Waste was Enforcement and Education. Solid Waste education programs are offered to the community in an effort to change behaviors and encourage community members to make better choices with regards to Solid Waste. Mark Nelson spoke briefly about two current education projects currently underway. One project involves Tami Pokorny, Environmental Health Specialist, who is working with the school districts trying to increase their participation in the recycling program. She is also our local videographer working on presentations for PTTV, showing the benefits of recycling vs. dumping. The other project involves Jasmine Fry, Environmental Health Specialist, who is working on awards programs with Green Business and EnviroStars. Mark explained enforcement efforts involving either Hazardous Waste or Solid Waste. Mark discussed the DOE complaint system called Environmental Report Tracking System (ERTS). Mark showed examples of current ERTS complaints and explained the necessary steps taken to follow up on a complaint and noted that Model Toxics Control Act sets a 90 day deadline for an initial investigation. Mark reported since the Solid Waste Ordinance was passed in October 2005 and the public has become aware of specific requirements of the ordinance, complaints have significantly increased. Mark Nelson stated 234 complaints have been filed since October 2005. From October- December 2005,85 were received. In 2006 149 complaints were received with 89 closed to date. Each complaint averages 3-8 hours of work. It is estimated we have removed 20 tons of garbage and 100 vehicles, cited 10 illegal dumpers and written 21 citations to date, 3 of which were rescinded. Chair Sullivan stated solid waste has been a major concern in this county for a long time and the problem is finally being tackled. He thanked Mike McNickle and his EH staff for all of their efforts. Mike touched briefly on a coupon program grant for $30,000 he has applied for from the Department of Ecology through their off cycle grant application process. Mike explained how the grant worked. If you want to remove a junk car, JCPH would provide the recipient with a coupon that they would give to the tow truck driver. The driver would redeem the coupon through JCPH and get paid for 75% of the cost of moving the vehicle. Mike explained that we are also working with Ecology on a pharmaceutical disposal project regarding proper disposal of all non-controlled substances. Member Rodgers asked that the Board be kept up to date on the Coupon Program. Member Westerman mentioned that we needed to make sure that the Ordinance amendment was written to reflect exactly what was stated at the Board of Health meeting of October 2005. Mike said that he worked with County attorney David Alvarez and JCPH staff to look at the amendment. It was determined that amendments made to the draft ordinance by the BOH had been inadvertently omitted from the final document. This is known as a "scrivener's error". Since the Board of Health has already acted on the issue and that action is clearly recorded in the minutes and audio recordings of the meeting, we are allowed to correct the error in the solid waste code without further Board action. NEW BUSINESS EnviroStars Award for Dentistrv Northwest Mike McNickle informed the Board that Dentistry Northwest is being recognized by EnviroStars and have reached a 5 star rating. Board Chair Sullivan signed the award certificate on behalf of the Board of Health. Waste Reduction and Recycled Product Procurement Policy Mike presented a draft of the Waste Reduction Policy, which is part ofthe Green Business Program, for review and comment. This is the first effort to include the Jefferson County Public Health as a Green Business. Member Westerman pointed out the cost difference in recycled products. She feels that recycled products generally cost more. Member Westerman asked about what a "reasonable price" entailed. Jean Baldwin said that after all of our supplies were tracked through purchasing, Jefferson County Public Health already supported recycled product purchasing with the exception of those supplies that are purchased county wide. 2006-07 Tobacco Workplan Hiehliehts Kellie Ragan gave an update on the work that is being done through the Tobacco Prevention Program. A Tobacco Advisory Board will be organized, which will further the prevention efforts in Jefferson County. The efforts will target the population with the greatest risk: 18-34 year olds, households with children, and those with less than a high school education. The Healthy Youth Survey will be a continuing effort. Compliance checks will continue. A new piece of the program will be focused on Employer Cessation Support. Jefferson Health Care is working towards a smoke-free campus. There will be continued monitoring and enforcement of the Clean Indoor Air Act as well as organizing a Secondhand Smoke Task Force. Kellie has also been doing some fact-finding around the Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and has discovered there is very little information and support around cessation. EAP's refer people to either the American Lung Association or the Cancer Society. Kellie had the opportunity to shadow a client who is working at Harborview. At every patient visit, health care providers ask the question "do you smoke and are you interested in quitting." This question can be one of the most effective interventions. Proposed Board of Health Bylaws Chanees Dr. Locke presented the first draft of the Bylaw changes for review. There were minor verbiage changes to coincide with the ordinance. Two new sections were added to the draft, Public Hearings and Appeals Hearings. He explained that the individual ordinances have appeals language but there are no protocols for public hearings. Dr. Locke explained that the Board could take action on this at any meeting but it takes 73 majority vote to change the Board's bylaws. Member Westerman suggested that this continue to appear on the agenda until there is full attendance to take action on the proposed Bylaws changes. 2007 Budeet Process Update Veronica Morris-Nakano spoke briefly about the 2007 budget. She told the Board that the 2007 Budget process has started. She said we are facing the normal challenges with the increase in wages and benefits and the increase in building rent. This year we will be submitting a budget appropriation requesting an increase in our General Fund to cover the bargaining members wage and benefit increase for the year 2006. The budget appropriation is essential for our carry over into 2007. This was also done in 2005. Veronica handed out a cost comparison of Information and Central Services costs for 2003-2007 showing the items that have been and continue to be a budget challenge. The increase in building rent was discussed at great length. Member Westerman expressed her concern over the methodology used in calculating the building rent and asked Veronica Morris-Nakano to inform the Director of Central Services that the BOH is interested in the basis of his rationale in calculating building rent. She pointed out when these costs increase the programs that are important to the community, which the BOH support and do their best to make sure continue, suffer. . New Vaccines - Costs, Benefits, Controversies Dr. Locke gave an overview of the new Human PapiIlomavirus (HPV) vaccine. He stated this is the first anti-cancer vaccine and it can have a huge impact on cervical cancer rates over time. Dr. Locke pointed out that the cost of the vaccine is $360 to immunize each child, which is more than all the other childhood vaccines combined. Aeenda Plannine - On-Site Sewaee Code Revision Process The On-Site Sewage System state code is going to be adopted June 30, 2007 so we will start the process of revising our On-Site Sewage System code to match the state code. There will be a few issues being brought before the Board for direction, which include operation and maintenance. The PUD is eagerly waiting for us to take over the 0 & M program. Mike feels that it would be beneficial to take on the project as soon as possible. Member Westerman commented that approximately 1-2 years ago there was discussion about allowing the private sector to handle this. She would like to see us move in that direction. Chair Sullivan adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m. Next Board of Health meeting is August 17, 2006. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH /7 /() /7;? (~.~~~T~ David Sullivan, Chair e~ t!~\k-Lu~~~ Sheila Westerman, Member Excused Roberta Frissell, Member Excused Phil Johnson, Member Excused GeoffMasci, Member Pa ~"Ellf Pa ~t CIATlON sustainably farmed oysters, clams, mussels, scallops July 8, 2003 Craig Schrader / Tami Pokorny 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, W A, 98368 Dear Mr. Schrader and/or Ms.Pokorny, You have recently received notification from the Washington Department of Health Shellfish Program that Discovery Bay has been placed on the "Threatened" list due to downgrades in water quality. The Department's water quality monitoriog indicates elevated fecal coliform at levels that could lead to a downgrade in growing area status if the source of this contamination is not found and remedied. I am writing this letter to request your attention to this serious issue. The shellfish industry is a clean industry that accrues significant benefit to Jefferson County, both as a source of "new" monies and living wage jobs, and environmental benefits provided through the biofiltering function of the shellfish themselves. We take the threat of water quality degradation seriously. Since 1985,25% of Washington's growing areas have been downgraded or lost due to non-point pollution. The early warning system that places growing areas on the "threatened" list has resulted in some growing areas being upgraded back to "non-threatened" status and unfortunately, in some counties, the growing areas have been ultimately downgraded. When downgrades occur, the corresponding county health department is required by law to form a "Shellfish Protection District," (ReW 90.72.030) which is time consuming, costly and involved and, unfortunately, not always successful in restoring growing areas. The difference in outcome is the level of commitment and action on the part of local health jurisdictions and growers. I mention this to highlight the importance and cost-effectiveness of quick action on your part now. I look forward to learning what action Jefferson County plans to take to protect your local shellfish resources. Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Sincerely, 3t;~~ Executive Director Olympia: 120 State Ave., NE PMB #142. Olympia, WA 98S01 phone: 360-754-2744 fax: 360-754-2743 Port Townsend: 2023 E. Sims Way #235. Port Townsend, WA 98368 phone: 360-379-9041 cell: 360-870-9611 www.pcsga.org City of Port Townsend Office of the City Manager 250 Madison Street, Suite 2, Port Townsend, W A 98368 (360) 379-5047 FAX (360) 385-4290 July 6, 2006 Mr. Mike McNickle Environmental Health Director Jefferson County Public Health 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, W A 98368 ~_? \...';"'. '! Hill v . 2008 Dear Mr. McNickle: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns with our water bodies. I will have my staff arrange a time and place to meet to discuss your concerns and share with you the steps we already have in place. As you know, Lords and City Lakes are part of the City drinking water supply and are heavily monitored as mandated by our permits issued by the State Department of Health. I am not sure what more can be added to the monitoring that we already conduct, but we can discuss your concerns when we meet. The Kai Tai Lagoon is not monitored unless it appears a bloom is occurring. Generally public access is not provided or allowed. The City would not object if the County wishes to add this to your monitoring program. Again we can discuss this when we meet. David G. immons Port Townsend City Manager cc: Port Townsend City Council Ken Clow, City of Port Townsend Public Works Bob LaCroix, City of Port Townsend Public Works John Fischbach, Jefferson County Administrator ~h~:- I T I" ---J ~v~v v. uv&Jl T~ Officer, Jefferson County Public Health Jean Baldwin, Administrator, Jeffe on County Public Health A NATIONAL MAIN STREET COMMUNITY WASHINGTON'S HISTORIC VICTORIAN SEAPORT ,,,.~6ii 00" i:J '. ~.. i.... '" ..,.... " '" '1.s'.{ifNg.1:0' JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 615 Sheridan Street. Port Townsend' Washington' 98368 www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org June 23, 2006 City of Port Townsend Mr. David Timmons, City Manager 250 Madison Street, Suite #2 Port Townsend, WA 98368 RE: SURFACE WATER MONITORING PROPOSAL FOR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE Dear Mr. Timmons: As you may know, Anderson Lake experienced a toxic algae bloom that has killed two dogs and injured another. While algae blooms are very common in Western Washington lakes, toxic algae blooms are a fairly rare occurrence. The toxic algae bloom in Anderson Lake was the first documented toxic algae bloom in Jefferson County. While we were responding to the crisis of having a toxic algae bloom in Anderson Lake, it became apparent that there was a lack of background and trend data on all of the lakes and other surface waters in Jefferson County, and some level of monitoring should be occurring. That leads me to the purpose of this letter. Jefferson County Public Health has noted that the City of Port Townsend has at least three surface water bodies of concern: City Lake, Kah Tai Pond, and Lords Lake. We recommend the following actions be taken by your staff: 1) Observe these surface waters for signs of an algae bloom during the summer months, generally the beginning of May through the end of September. 2) If an algae bloom is observed, samples of the algae should be collected and analyzed by an accredited lab for species identification and cell count. 3) If a toxic species of algae is identified and the cell count is over 100,000 cells per milliliter, then the samples should be analyzed for toxicity and the recommendations of the WHO should be followed to protect human health. 4) If toxins are present at 1 microgram or above, then steps should be taken to protect public health and safety. Jefferson County Public Health is able to offer our services to monitor these surface water bodies on a weekly basis throughout the summer months since we are sampling other lakes throughout the county when algae blooms are most likely to occur. We COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MAl N: 360-385-9400 FAX: 360-385-9401 PUBLIC HEALTH ALWAYS WORKING FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NATURAL RESOURCES MAl N: 360-385-9444 FAX: 360-385-9401 would work closely with your staff to assure that observations and monitoring results are shared on a timely basis. Jefferson County Public Health staff has the expertise to assure that this proposed water quality monitoring program is efficient and effective in protecting public health and welfare. I propose that a meeting be schedule for us to discuss a monitoring program, and a budget, that will help protect public safety and welfare in regards to the aforementioned surface waters of concern to the City of Port Townsend. Please call me at 360-385-9436 to schedule a meeting date and time or to discuss this letter in further detail. Respectfully, ijJw'~ Mike McNickle, MPA, RS Environmental Health Director Jefferson County Public Health Cc: Mark Welch, Mayor, City of Port Townsend Michele Sandoval, Deputy Mayor, City of Port Townsend Geoff Masci, Councilman, City of Port Townsend John Fischbach, Jefferson County Administrator David Sullivan, Chair, Jefferson County Board of Health Tom Locke, Health Officer, Jefferson County Public Health Jean Baldwin, Administrator, Jefferson County Public Health